Monday, January 14, 2013

"Sensory Processing: An Overview"


Sensory processing challenges play an important but often overlooked role in a child’s motor and emotional development. This condition is often referred to as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and is seen in typically functioning individuals as well as those diagnosed with autism, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, and other neurological conditions.
The ability to integrate information from all the senses is essential for adapting to environmental demands. In school, this includes attention, body awareness, filtering out noise and visual distractions, and engaging in motor sequences and social interactions.
This presentation will provide the following:
  • -An overview of sensory integration in order to understand how sensory foundations provide the base for higher level academic, social, and emotional development.
  • -A discussion of how sensory processing challenges typically manifest in school and after-school settings, and at home.
  • -The principles of developing a sensory diet, and a variety of tools that can be used to maximize attention and learning, and to support social skills and self-esteem.
     Nina Talayco has a Masters of Science from the Boston School of Occupational Therapy at Tufts University. She has worked with children in public and private school settings and at OTA-Watertown since 2005. Nina has also consulted with residential school programs and preschool programs to support students’ needs. Nina completed the Sensory Integration Assessment and Intervention certification in 2008 and is also trained in clinical techniques for working with children with trauma and attachment issues.
TECPA's Professional Development Programs are held at the Morse Institute Library, Lebowitz Meeting Hall, in downtown Natick, MA. Events include a light dinner at 6:00 p.m. with program running from 6:30-8:30. For programming information, please contact Lori Davis at ldavis@tecpa.org.

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